Dana White shuts down Stephen A. Smith over UFC 230 main event criticism
Heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis stunned fans in Las Vegas with a late knockout of Alexander Volkov in the final seconds of the third round, and he admitted in his legendary octagon interview afterward that he was exhausted and needed to "do some more cardio."
"I ain't trying to fight for no title right now, not with no gas tank like that."
Less than a month later, Lewis will step into the octagon Saturday night at Madison Square Garden to face Daniel Cormier for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
On Friday's episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith questioned whether White truly believes that Lewis - who recently landed a deal to receive free Popeyes for life - is physically ready to fight once again. White argued that Lewis will actually benefit from having a shorter layoff, and later called out Smith in a separate interview.
"Me and Stephen A. got into it yesterday, and Stephen A. is wrong. He's so wrong, it's crazy. First of all, he's talking about the fact that [Lewis] is coming back-to-back off fights, right? It's the best thing you can do as a fighter! You're in the best shape ever!
He went three hard rounds where he was exhausted, and he's coming off a big camp. Comes back out, takes some time to heal the bumps and bruises you get, then goes right back into camp. First of all, he's never looked better. He looks incredible right now! Derrick Lewis is leaner than I've ever seen him, and that guy can turn anybody's lights off at any minute during the fight. Whether it's the first five seconds of the fight or the last five seconds of the fight, this guy can knock you out. So this is a very dangerous fight for Cormier, and Stephen A. - you're wrong again, my friend."
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